Take a walk through Japanese Friendship Garden-Ro Ho En

Kristin Park
Special for arizonamoms.com
Mar. 26 2008 8:38 am

Japanese Friendship Garden-Ro Ho En
1125 North 3rd Avenue, Phoenix
(602) 256-3204

phoenix.gov/parks/jfg.html

This amazingly lush and tranquil garden is one of the city’s best kept secrets. A collaboration between Phoenix and Himeji, our sister city in Japan, the garden is filled with over 50 plant varieties, flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall and a huge koi pond.

Take your older children to the Japanese Tea Ceremony, held the second Saturday of each month (fees apply), or stroll through on First Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. at no charge. The garden can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or a great diversion when you put off your Friday evening commute.

Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays

Admission: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, students and military, 12 and under are free with adult admission.

Private tours and school tours are available with reservation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.